Abstract

Using a carbon-based material as an interlayer between the cathode and separator, a novel strategy has been proposed for enhancing the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs).This technique reduces the cross-over of lithium polysulfides (LiPS) to the anode, thereby increasing the sulfur cathode’s reutilization.Coffee waste was used as a source of carbon in this study, and potassium hydroxide (KOH) was used as an activating agent. The reaction temperatures ranged from 500 to 800°C.The AC samples’ specific surface areas, micro-surface areas, and micro-pore
volumes gradually increased with the heating temperature.In particular, the capacity and cycling performance of the AC sample, which was made at 800°C and used as a functional separator for LSB, were both improved, and the LiPS shuttle effect was reduced.